Vibration Training is Doing Wonders at Medina High School

From FOX 8 Cleveland - 9/20/2011

 

MEDINA, Ohio -— It’s designed to make you bigger, stronger and faster.

 

“It’s the kind of stuff you see in Rocky IV actually,” said Rich Zawak.

 

Vibration training was developed in Eastern Europe and Russia during the Cold War. Zawak, a primary owner of Athletic Development Corporation, has been a strong proponent of vibration training, which incorporates vibrating platforms.

 

“If the vibrations are running through your legs what happens is those muscle spindles are activated, and the result is fibers are used that are not normally used,” said Zawak.

The gym set-up is the same set-up you would find at your local health club, with added science and technology, like a $31,000 treadmill.

 

“We can do things at speeds you can’t do on the ground,” said Zawak. “It allows our kids to be very advanced as far as their sprint techniques.”

The workouts can increase an athlete’s power by 20 percent.

 

“I could only squat 95 pounds, but after awhile of doing it, I’m up over 500 now,” said Medina High School junior, Josh Oswald.

 

“We have 10 plus guys on our team squatting over 500 pounds and that’s unheard of,” said Medina High School senior, Mason Schreck.

The results go beyond making you stronger and faster.

 

In 2010, the Medina Track and Field team had no sprinters qualify for the state track and field meet. In 2011, they had 8 and they brought home a state championship.

 

“We ran the fastest time in the state of Ohio in the 4x100 relay and we defeated all the traditional powers in the sprints using this system. With kids who have never been at that level before,” said Zawak.

 

It’s designed for any athlete, any sport, any time.

 

“You feel it more the next day I guess,” said Oswald. “It’s tougher.”

 

“Definitely intense,” said Schreck.

 

Ohio State University and the University of Michigan are already eying up an opportunity to bring the vibration training to their campus.

 

“This is going to become a major component of strength and conditioning,” said Zawak.